Human remains found in shallow grave near Piercy

Skeletal remains buried in a shallow grave were located next to the Eel River near the 83000 block of Highway 271 near Piercy this week. Forensic anthropologists have been called in to help recover and identify the body.

An unidentified Humboldt County family has kayaked on the Eel River in this area for many years, according to media sources. A few years ago they spotted the tip of a white sneaker poking out of the ground a few yards up from the normal river level. They believed it was debris washed up on the river's shore until Monday. Monday during a kayaking and mushroom hunting excursion they noticed the tip of a second shoe poking up suspiciously next to the other one.

One family member investigated what turned out to be the shallow grave site, tugging at one of the shoes until the foot came away with it. The horrified family called the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office which investigated Tuesday morning. Deputies at first wondered whether this was some kind of Halloween prank, but an examination of the gravesite changed this to a serious investigation.

Detectives have asked for help from the Department of Anthropology at California State University, Chico to assist with recovering the remains.

Sources say the sneakers appear to be men's Nike ProWings.

Anyone with information in regards to this case is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office Tip-Line by calling (707) 234-2100.